The New York Liberty find themselves entering the offseason searching for stability on the sidelines once again, marking a turbulent period for a franchise that is just a few years removed from capturing a league championship.
The organization confirmed on Tuesday that head coach Chris DeMarco has been fired after just one season at the helm. The move means the Liberty will now be looking for their third head coach in three years, raising questions about the direction of a high-profile roster featuring some of the biggest names in women’s professional basketball.
DeMarco, who made the jump to the WNBA after serving as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, guided the Liberty through a roller-coaster campaign in 2026. Under his leadership, New York captured the Commissioner’s Cup championship and put together a respectable 26-18 record during the grueling regular season. Despite facing various challenges and roster adjustments throughout the year, the Liberty secured the No. 8 seed in the competitive WNBA Playoffs.
The high point of DeMarco’s brief tenure undoubtedly came in the opening round of the postseason. Pitting themselves against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, the Liberty pulled off a stunning upset, sweeping the favorites in a dominant series display that showcased the team’s championship ceiling. However, the momentum came to a halt in the next round, where the Liberty were ultimately swept by the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA semifinals, bringing a swift end to their postseason aspirations.
Following the elimination series against Atlanta, DeMarco expressed optimism about his future with the franchise, stating publicly that he expected to return to the bench for the subsequent campaign. At the time, star guard Sabrina Ionescu was noncommittal when asked by reporters about the coaching situation, noting that she was not in a position to determine what decisions the front office might make regarding the team’s leadership.
"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Ionescu said following the playoff exit. "Regardless, thankful for him coaching us this year and giving us a chance, and we just fell short."
The franchise officially acknowledged the parting of ways on social media, posting a brief and respectful farewell message featuring a photograph of the outgoing coach with the caption: "Thank you, Coach DeMarco."
The decision to part ways with DeMarco comes as a notable development given his contract status. The 41-year-old coach was under contract to remain with the Liberty through the 2027 season. Furthermore, the team’s core superstars—including Ionescu, powerhouse forward Breanna Stewart, and standout center Jonquel Jones—are all similarly positioned under contract for the upcoming year, ensuring that the next head coach will inherit a roster fully equipped to contend for a title.
DeMarco’s arrival in New York ahead of the 2025 season had marked a significant pivot for the franchise as they sought to transition following the departure of Sandy Brondello. Brondello had enjoyed immense success in New York, steering the squad to a stellar 27-17 record in 2025, culminating in a historic WNBA championship in 2024 and a hard-fought runner-up finish in the 2023 season. When DeMarco stepped into the role, he carried the pedigree of an extensive tenure on the coaching staff of a premier NBA organization, though navigating the unique dynamics of the WNBA proved to be a different kind of challenge.
With DeMarco’s dismissal, general manager Jonathan Kolb faces a critical juncture in shaping the franchise’s trajectory. Kolb is now tasked with hiring his fourth head coach since 2019, highlighting an ongoing quest for long-term consistency in the coaching position despite sustained success on the court and a star-studded roster capable of competing at the highest level year in and year out.
The search for a new leader will begin immediately as the Liberty front office prepares for an offseason defined by the pursuit of the right voice to unlock the full potential of a championship-caliber core.